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The Biden administration announced Wednesday that Israel has been designated into the U.S. Visa Waiver Program.
Key Points:
Additional Information: Israel has worked for years to obtain entry into the U.S. VWP, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a statement today celebrating the designation. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said Israel “put forth a significant whole-of-government effort to meet all program requirements, including passing multiple new laws, establishing information sharing systems, and implementing new entry procedures for all U.S. citizens.” Israel will be the 41st member of the VWP. Following updates in Israel’s travel policies, all U.S. citizens may request entry to Israel for up to 90 days for business, tourism or transit without obtaining a visa.
This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice group.
Copyright ©2023 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.
IMPACT — MEDIUM
Israeli government offices will be closed in the coming weeks as the country observes Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Sukkot.
Background: Employers should anticipate that the closures will slow processing. Consequently, they should submit applications before the holidays, if possible. Delays are likely to continue in the days and weeks after offices reopen.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.
Copyright © 2023 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.
The Israeli government recently announced that American citizens who hold dual citizenship in Iran, Iraq, Lebanon or Syria may obtain a special permit to enter the country under certain circumstances.
Key Points:
Additional Information: In July, Israel began allowing entry to U.S. citizens of Palestinian origin, who hold Palestinian ID cards or who reside in the Gaza Strip or the West Bank. Israel modified its policy in an effort to eventually be admitted to the U.S. Visa Waiver Program.
This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.
Copyright © 2023 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.
Israel is now allowing entry to U.S. citizens of Palestinian origin, who hold Palestinian identification cards or who reside in the Gaza Strip or the West Bank.
BAL Analysis: The Israeli government simplified travel rules for U.S. citizens of Palestinian origin and for those who hold Palestinian identification cards so that Israel can eventually be admitted to the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security welcomed the change and said it “is working closely with the Government of Israel in its efforts to meet those requirements, in furtherance of our shared goal that Israel join the Visa Waiver Program.” The change is an important step by Israel towards joining the Visa Waiver Program, which would allow for citizens of Israel to travel to the U.S. without a visa for business or tourism purposes.
The Israeli government has announced that it will simplify travel rules for U.S. citizens who hold Palestinian identification cards.
BAL Analysis: The Israeli government will simplify travel rules for U.S. citizens of Palestinian origin and for those who hold Palestinian identification cards so that Israel can be admitted to the U.S. visa exemption program. Israel is expected to be admitted to the program later this year.
The Israeli Airport Authority announced that flights are suspended at Ben Gurion International Airport due to an ongoing strike.
BAL Analysis: Flights were suspended at the airport in response to a strike against the government’s intended judicial reform. Individuals with travel plans scheduled for this week should check with their airline to see if flights have been canceled or changed. BAL will continue following the news in Israel and alert clients to any significant developments.
The Israeli government will begin issuing B-1 work visas electronically.
BAL Analysis: The introduction of the new electronic visas streamlines the visa application process and provides greater convenience for foreign nationals entering Israel for work purposes. Foreign nationals are reminded that they should keep a physical copy of their visa in their passport to avoid possible complications when traveling.
The Israeli government recently increased its visa issuance fees for various work permits.
BAL Analysis: Employers should take the new filing fees into account when adjusting their 2023 budgets. Employees and employers should expect longer than normal processing times for work and residence permit applications.
The Israeli government recently increased the monthly minimum prevailing wage for foreign national experts.
BAL Analysis: Businesses may see a slight increase in labor costs because of the new minimum wage. Employers should take the new wage minimums into account for their 2023 budgets.
The Israeli government announced that its consulates will resume issuing work and visitor visas.
BAL Analysis: Israeli authorities resumed normal operations. Employers and employees should expect processing delays when applying for work and visitor visas.